Mahatma Gandhi's bust unveiled in Britain

Mahatma Gandhi's bust has been unveiled in the Hull city that has a sizeable Indian population.

Mahatma Gandhi's bust has been unveiled in the northeastern British city of Hull that has a sizeable Indian population.

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The bust, installed in Hull's Mandela Gardens, was unveiled during a ceremony performed by Oscar-winning film producer Lord Puttnam last week.

The city is 320 km from London.

Made by famous sculptor Shirgaoankar, the bust has been donated to the city council by Hull's Indian community through the Gandhi Statue Executive Forum, chaired by Lord Parekh of Hull.

Lord Parekh told the media: "Indians who live in Hull have long felt the city should recognise the presence and contribution of the Indian community. It is felt the donation of the bust should assist this process.

"It also confirms the willingness of the Indian community to become an integral part of the city in which we live and work."

Lord Parekh, who lives in Hull, said the ceremony was a highlight for the younger members of the city's Indian community.

"It will give our children a sense of pride that their history and culture has been recognised publicly.

The city council has provided a matching plinth for the bust, which will stand in Mandela Gardens in front of the Streetlife Museum in High Street.

City council leader Councillor Colin Inglis said: "Mahatma Gandhi is an inspirational figure for the Indian community in Britain. I am pleased that we can honour his life and beliefs with this sculpture."